Loading...
04-11-1978 CCMMINUTES REGULAR MEETING - HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 1978 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Black called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M., with the following mem- bers present: Aldermen Westlund, Gruenhagen, and K. Peterson in addition to Mayor Black. Absent: Alderman B. Peterson. Also present were: Administra- tive Assistant Plotz, City Engineer/Public Works Director Priebe, and City At- torney Schantzen. 2. INVOCATION The invocation was given by Mr. Kenneth Buse, Principal of the St. Anastasia School. 3. MINUTES The minutes of the Special Meeting dated March 28, 1978 and Regular Meeting dated March 28, 1978 were unanimously approved upon motion by Alderman Westlund, and seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen. 4. PUBLIC HEARING None 5. COMMUNICATIONS, REQUESTS AND PETITIONS (a) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR APPLICATION FOR LICENSE TO SELL CIGARETTES AT HAPPY CHEF RESTAURANT After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund to approve the appli- cation and issue a license. Seconded by Alderman K. Peterson, the motion unanimously carried. (b) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR KENNETH MERRILL TO JOIN THE MINNESOTA MUNICIPAL FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (MMFOA) AND THE MUNICIPAL FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (MFOA) Following discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alder- man Gruenhagen, to approve the request for Kenneth Merrill to join the MMFOA and MFOA. Motion unanimously carried. (c) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR CALMER RICE AND QUENTIN LARSON TO ATTEND EIGHTH ANNUAL MSPE ENGINEERING SEMINAR ON APRIL 17, 1978 After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Gruenhagen, seconded by Alder- man K. Peterson, to approve the request for Calmer Rice and Quentin Larson Council Minutes April 11, 1978 to attend the MSPE Seminar. Motion unanimously carried. 6. RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES (a) ORDINANCE NO. 6/78 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 464 CONCERNING ZONING REGULATIONS IN THE CITY OF HUTCHINSON AND THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP It was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman K. Peterson, to waive the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 562 entitled An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 464 Concerning Zoning Regulations in the City of Hutchinson and the Official Zoning Map. Motion unanimously carried. (b) ORDINANCE NO. 7/78 - AN ORDINANCE TO VACATE ALL UTILITY, DRAINAGE AND STREET EASEMENTS LOCATED IN STONEY POINT SECOND ADDITION It was moved by Alderman K. Peterson, seconded by Alderman Westlund, to waive the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 563 entitled An Ordinance to Vacate All Utility, Drainage and Street Easements Located in Stoney Point Second Addition. Motion unanimously carried. 7. REPORTS OF OFFICERS. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS (a) BUILDING OFFICIAL'S MONTHLY REPORT - MARCH, 1978 There being no discussion, the report was ordered by the Mayor to be re- ceived for filing. (b) MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT - MARCH, 1978 There being no discussion, the report was ordered by the Mayor to be re- ceived for filing. (c) MINUTES OF AIRPORT COMMISSION DATED MARCH 15, 1978 Alderman Westlund asked about the new hangars to be built at the Airport. He wasn't aware that the City was going to do any building. Administrative Assistant Plotz explained that before any building will be done, letters of intent to rent the hangars must be received from prospective renters. There are several individuals who are interested. The State funding agency would pay the front-end costs plus interest and rent would pay the principal so there would be no cost to the City. The minutes were ordered to be filed by the Mayor. 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (a) CONSIDERATION TO RESCIND APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 6105 AND RESCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING OF PLANNING COMMISSION -2- Council Minutes April 11, 1978 Mayor Black made reference to an error made on the notice sent to sur- rounding property owners and reported that it would be necessary to hold the public hearing again for Charles (Chuck) Pearson for a variance to facilitate an addition to the rear of his building located at 124 Fourth Avenue N.E. Alderman Westlund made the motion to rescind Resolution No. 6105 and re- schedule the public hearing of the Planning Commission. Seconded by Alder- man K. Peterson, the motion unanimously carried. (b) CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATION OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON FIREMAN RELIEF ASSOCIATION RETIREMENT PROGRAM (DEFERRED MARCH 28, 1978) Alderman Westlund reported on the meeting of the special committee appointed by Mayor Black to review the actuarial report. They met Friday morning, April 7, and reviewed the five different options. It was the consensus of the committee to recommend Option No. V be approved for the Fireman Relief Association Retirement Program. This alternative would change the retire- ment age from 55 to 50 years. It was moved by Alderman Westlund to accept the recommendation of the special committee and approve Option No. V for the Fireman Relief Association. Seconded by Alderman K. Peterson, the motion unanimously carried. (c) CONSIDERATION OF PARK CONTRIBUTION SCHEDULE AS SUBMITTED BY MARLOW PRIEBE (DEFERRED FEBRUARY 27, 1978) City Engineer/Public Works Director Priebe reported that he had reviewed the Park Contribution Schedule and still felt the figures should remain as presented on February 27, 1978. He had received approval of the Park Con- tribution Schedule from the Park and Recreation Board at their last meet- ing and now asked for the approval of the City Council. Alderman K. Peterson commented on the reaction of the Park and Recreation Board to the Park Contribution Schedule. It was their feeling that the schedule should be reviewed every year to keep it up to date. It was moved by Alderman K. Peterson, seconded by Alderman Westlund, to approve the Park Contribution Schedule. Motion unanimously carried. (d) CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATION BY HUTCHINSON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL BOARD FOR ICU/CCU REMODELING CONTRACT TO ACCEPT ELECTRICAL BID OF BRANDT ELECTRIC AND MECHANICAL BID OF KRASEN PLUMBING & HEATING After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund to accept the bids of Brandt Electric in the amount of $28,890 for electrical work and Krasen Heating & Plumbing in the amount of $19,952 for mechanical work for the ICU/CCU remodeling at the Hutchinson Community Hospital, and to authorize -3- Council Minutes April 11, 1978 the hospital to proceed with remodeling. Seconded by Alderman K. Peterson, the motion unanimously carried. 9. NEW BUSINESS (a) CONSIDERATION OF RESIGNATION OF JEWEL ORR After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund to accept the resigna- tion of Jewel Orr, Secretary/Dispatcher, to be effective April 21, 1978. Seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, the motion unanimously carried. (b) CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF MRS. EVERETT (NORINE) RIESBERG TO "SENIORS ACTIVITY CENTER" ADVISORY BOARD FOR HUTCHINSON GARDEN CLUB Mayor Black made reference to the appointments made at the last Council meeting of the six out of seven designated organizations listed in Ordi- nace No. 559. The Hutchinson Garden Club is recommending Mrs. Everett (Norine) Riesberg as their representative on the Board, and Mayor Black appointed her for this position. It was moved by Alderman K. Peterson to ratify the appointment of Mrs. Everett (Norine) Riesberg from the Hutchinson Garden Club to the "Seniors Activity Center" Advisory Board. Seconded by Alderman Westlund, the motion passed unanimously. (c) CONSIDERATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR SCHOOL ROAD (M.S.A.) PROJECT City Engineer/Public Works Director Priebe explained the area involved in this project. The Stoney Point Addition is not a part of the bond issue, and the residents of that area will be paying for the street work done. The work is to be completed by September 1, 1978. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund to approve the plans and specifications and authorize advertising for bids to be opened on May 9, 1978 at 2:00 P.M. at City Hall. Seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, the motion carried unanimously. It was moved by Alderman Westlund to waive the reading and adopt Resolu- tion No. 6109 entitled Approving Plans and Specifications and Ordering Ad- vertisement for Bids. Seconded by,Alderman Gruenhagen, the motion unani- mously carried. It was moved by Alderman Gruenhagen, seconded by Alderman Westlund, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6110 entitled Approving Plans and Specifi- cations and Ordering Advertisement for Bids. Motion unanimously carried. It was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6111 entitled Approving Plans and Specifi- cations and Ordering Advertisement for Bids. Motion unanimously carried. -4- Council Minutes April 11, 1978 (d) PRESENTATION BY MARY BERGER AND DISCUSSION OF UTILIZING COUNCIL MEMBERS' NAMES ON INFORMATION BROCHURE FOR CLINTON HOUSE APARTMENTS Mary Berger, Manager of the Clinton House Apartments, appeared before the Council and asked for permission to use the Council members' names in a brochure that is being prepared as approving of the low-income housing project under Section 8. Mayor Black had reservations about the City becoming involved in a brochure, although he is favorable of the project. It might appear that the Council is giving approval over some of the other projects in the City. The wrong impression could be given by endorsing a brochure for the Clinton House Apartments. It was the general consensus of the Council that they should not endorse this brochure. (e) CONSIDERATION OF PURCHASING PROPERTY AT 25 FRANKLIN STREET NORTH THROUGH A CONTRACT -FOR -DEED 1. APPRAISAL SUBMITTED BY J. HAROLD BEYTIEN 2. APPRAISAL SUBMITTED BY HAZEL BASEMAN Mayor Black gave brief background information on action taken several years ago when locations were being considered and property owners north of City Hall were contacted to sell their land. No one was willing to sell at that time. Now Hazel Baseman has decided to sell her property at 25 Franklin Street North and has given the City first option. Two appraisals have been made and each is for approximately the same amount. City ownership of this property would fit into the total downtown development concept. Alderman Westlund remarked that recently the City planners recommended the City purchase any property that might come up for sale, and this site was one of the areas suggested for acquisition. He felt the price was fair. Mayor Black commented that the property would remain rental until such time as it is needed for over-all development. He further instructed the City Attorney to meet with Miss Baseman to work out financial arrangements for purchase and bring the recommendation back to the Council. It was moved by Alderman K. Peterson, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, to approve the purchase of the property at 25 Franklin Street North in the amount of $40,000 and to enter into a contract -for -deed. Motion unanimously carried. It was moved by Alderman K. Peterson, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, to approve the transfer of $8,000 from the Contingency Fund to the General Fund to cover the down payment. Motion unanimously carried. -5- Council Minutes April 11, 1978 (f) CONSIDERATION OF RESIGNATION OF JEFF JEWELL After discussion, it was moved by Alderman K. Peterson, seconded by Alder- man Westlund, to accept the resignation of Jeff Jewell, Law Enforcement Aide, who has been working under the CETA program, effective April 22, 1978. Motion unanimously carried. (g) CONSIDERATION OF A BOOTH AT BUILDERS SHOW APRIL 15-16 FOR BUILDING CODE AND ZONING INFORMATION Administrative Assistant Plotz explained that the Second Annual Jaycee Builders and Sports Show will be held April 15-16, 1978 at the Hutchinson Civic Arena. He felt it would be a good idea for the City to have a booth available to provide information to the public on the building code and zoning information. The cost of a booth is $40. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman K. Peterson, seconded by Alder- man Westlund, to approve a booth for the City at the Builders Show. Motion unanimously carried. (h) CONSIDERATION OF SEWER AND WATER SERVICE ON WALLER DRIVE City Engineer/Public Works Director Priebe reported that Mr. and Mrs. John Beck have purchased property on Waller Drive and have requested sewer and water service from the City. At the present time there is no service on Waller Drive. It will be necessary to hold a public hearing before the water and sewer service can be put in. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, to approve the service and set a public hearing for May 9, 1978 during the regular Council meeting. Motion unanimously carried. (i) AGENDA ITEM CANCELED (j) CONSIDERATION OF CABLE TV EASEMENT City Engineer/Public Works Director Priebe reported the Park Board approved an easement along the south line of the cemetery property between Oak Park Second Addition and Cedar Acres abutting the hospital property. Following discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alder- man K. Peterson, to approve the cable TV Easement and authorize the Mayor and Administrative Assistant to sign the Easement Agreement. Motion unani- mously carried. (k) CONSIDERATION OF EMPLOYMENT OF PENNY JOHNSON AS RECREATION SECRETARY/ TRANSIT DISPATCHER I Me Council Minutes April 11, 1978 After discussion, it was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, to confirm the employment of Penny Johnson as Recreation Sec- retary/Transit Dispatcher, effective April 17, 1978. Motion unanimously carried. (1) CONSIDERATION OF PURCHASE OF CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS Mayor Black commented on the Christmas decorations recently approved for purchase. The question is now on how to pay the balance. In the past the Chamber of Commerce has borrowed the money and paid back the loan with the City contributions. Another method would be to pay for the decorations out of the contingency fund and budget the amount back each year until it is replaced. He didn't see any further need for the City's involvement in the actual purchase as long as it is paid for. It should be kept in mind to budget for future purchase so that the money will be available when needed. Also, to take into consideration inflation and rising costs. Mr. Black pointed out another method would be to transfer $4,900 from the contingency fund into the Christmas decorations fund and pay off the balance. It was moved by Alderman Westlund to transfer $4,900 from the Contingency Fund to the General Fund to pay the balance on the Christmas decorations. Seconded by Alderman K. Peterson, the motion unanimously carried. (m) CONSIDERATION OF AERIAL BUCKET FOR PARK DEPARTMENT City Engineer/Public Works Director Priebe reported that the specifications have been completed for an aerial bucket for the Park Department. He needs Council approval to advertise for bids. After discussion, it was moved by Alderman K. Peterson, seconded by Alder- man Westlund, to approve the specifications for an aerial bucket for the Park Department and advertise for bids to be opened on May 9, 1978 at 2:00 P.M. Motion unanimously carried. It was moved by Alderman K. Peterson, seconded by Alderman Westlund, to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 6112 entitled Approving Specifica- tions and Ordering Advertisement for Bids. Motion unanimously carried. 10. MISCELLANEOUS (a) COMMUNICATIONS FROM CLERK -ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Administrative Assistant Plotz reported that on Thursday, April 13, the ap- praiser firm of C. R. Pelton & Associates of St. Paul, Minnesota will be in Hutchinson to view the sites and inspect the property being considered for the elderly housing site. The final appraisal report will be completed -7- Council Minutes April 11, 1978 within three weeks. After its release, the City can then enter into nego- tiations. The initial contact has been made with the owners, tenants, re- garding relocation. Mr. Plotz further reported that there has been some interest in develop- ment of property east of Main Street, in the area known as the S&L Build- ing, Masonic Temple, and east side of that block along Hassan to the funeral home. He met with some of the property owners and representatives in that block at a luncheon today. On Wednesday morning, April 12, Mr. Plotz will meet with the developer to present the joint improvement proposals. The Developmental Achievement Center proposal prepared jointly by the City and School District was submitted to the DAC Board on April 3, 1978. After the proposals were opened and reviewed, Winsted was selected as the new site. Inasmuch as Winsted was able to appear at the DAC meeting, but no indication was given as to where or what time the meeting would be held, the City of Hutchinson and School District are requesting an opportunity to present the proposal to the DAC Board. Mr. Plotz reminded the Council members that on Tuesday, April 18, at 2:00 PM there will be four bid openings, namely for street improvement projects, road oil and tree removal. Prior to the bid openings, Hazel Sitz, Personnel Co- ordinator, and Administrative Assistant Plotz wish to meet briefly with the Council to discuss two matters of personnel. The Workshop scheduled for Friday, April 28, 1978 will be held in the Con- ference Room of the Hutchinson Community Hospital. Mr. Plotz will be mail- ing out an agenda within the next few days. Administrator Phil Graves has contacted Mr. Plotz for the Council to indi- cate who should advertise and open bids for coronary care monitoring equip- ment for the Hospital. The letting will be held at Noon on April 27, 1978. Mayor Black responded that the City of Hutchinson would both advertise and open bids for the equipment. (b) COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR Mayor Black expressed concern about the Developmental Achievement Center proposal in that the meeting was initially listed as "closed" and then was open. He resented the fact that Hutchinson did not receive an invitation to be present at the meeting when other cities were able to do so. Mayor Black felt the City and School District should pursues meeting with the DAC Board to present our proposal. A request has been received for Police Officers Michael Hogan and Michael Kirchoff to attend the Fifth Annual DWI and MATSA Conferences in St. Cloud on May 10-12, 1978. Council Minutes April 11, 1978 It was moved by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, to grant permission for Officers Michael Hogan and Michael Kirchoff to at- tend the DWI and MATSA Conferences. Motion unanimously carried. Mayor Black made reference to a letter received from Mr. Alfred Albert of the A&P Group dated April 4, 1978, in which he requested to be designated the developer for the Senior Citizen Highrise and that the City select a negotiating team to enter into negotiations with A&P for their acquisition of the property. Mr. Black pointed out the need to consider what method will be used to handle this project. It could be turned over to a developer who would secure all the financing and become the owner, or it could be financed through an industrial revenue bond and become the property of the City once paid for. In the next two or three months it will be neces- sary to make a decision on this matter. Inasmuch as Tom Cone has served on the Planning Commission for 10 years and does not wish to be re -appointed, Mayor Black appointed Dan Huntwork to the Planning Commission for a five-year term. It was moved by Alderman K. Peterson, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, to approve and ratify the appointment of Dan Huntwork to the Planning Commis- sion. Motion unanimously carried. It was further moved by Alderman K. Peterson, seconded by Alderman Gruen- hagen, to issue a Resolution of Commendation to Tom Cone in appreciation of his service on the Planning Commission. Motion unanimously carried. Mr. Harold Juul has completed his term on the Hospital Board and does not wish to serve again. Therefore, Mayor Black appointed James W. Joyce to the Hospital Board for a five-year term. It was moved by Alderman Gruenhagen, seconded by Alderman K. Peterson, to approve and ratify the appointment of James W. Joyce to the Hospital Board. Motion unanimously carried. It was further moved by Alderman Gruenhagen, seconded by Alderman K. Peter- son, to issue a Resolution of Commendation to Harold Juul as former Hos- pital Board member. Motion unanimously carried. Mayor Black reported the League Convention will be held June 6-9, 1978 in Minneapolis. He wondered how many of the Council members and staff would be able to attend. Mr. Black remarked that he had ridden around town and looked at the property where the owners had been notified to clean up the debris. As far as he could tell, nothing had been done. He instructed City Attorney Schantzen to proceed with legal action if nothing is done by property owner by the end of the week. Council Minutes April 11, 1978 (c) COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY ENGINEER/PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR City Engineer/Public Works Director Priebe reported that yesterday he met with the owners of Midwest Trailer Court. They are interested in improving the trailer court and surrounding area and weye very coopera- tive with the City in meeting the requirements. (d) COMMUNICATION FROM LARRY WILLMSEN Mr. Larry Willmsen appeared before the Council and explained that Governor Rudy Perpich has declared April 27 and 28, 1978 as Handicapped Awareness Days in the State of Minnesota. Since he represents Region 6E in Willmar for the Hutchinson area, he was requesting permission of the Council mem- bers to participate by spending some time in wheel chairs. Radio station KDUZ and the Hutchinson Leader will be participating, as well as Senator John Bernhagen will be present for this event. All of the Council members responded that they would be agreeable to participating, and Mr. Willmsen said he would reserve wheel chairs for their use. (e) COMMUNICATION FROM TEXGAS CORPORATION Texgas Corporation has requested permission to set a mobile home on property southeast of the plant warehouse bordering Huron Street. Mr. Del Crotteau, Branch Manager of Texgas Corporation, asked that a permit be issued for a period of not less than six months. City Engineer/Public Works Director Priebe reported that Building Inspec- tor Willard had been contacted by Texgas previously. Also, the Fire Chief and Marshal are concerned about the location of the property. Following discussion, it was moved by Alderman K. Peterson, seconded by Alderman Westlund, to approve a temporary permit for Texgas Corporation for a period not to exceed January 1, 1979, contingent upon approval of the Fire Marshal. Motion unanimously carried. (f) COMMUNICATION FROM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Mr. Neil Jensen, representing the Chamber of Commerce, appeared before the Council and requested that the Chamber receive a full packet of the Coun- cil material which is issued to the Council members, staff and press. He pointed out that a Chamber representative will be attending each of the City Council meetings, and it is difficult to follow the discussion with- out some knowledge of the business being discussed. Mayor Black remarked that the Chamber of Commerce has requested a packet before, but the request had been denied inasmuch as it is felt that all the people should receive the material at the same time. The press is an -10- Council Minutes April 11, 1978 exception in this case. Also, some of the contents of the packet is of a confidential nature and should not be available to everyone. If the Chamber is granted this privilege, all other organizations would likewise have to receive a packet. Mr. Jensen responded that the confidential material could be eliminated from the packet. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Council that a packet would be made available for review at City Hall by anyone wishing to see it, with the deletion of all confidential material. 11. CLAIMS, APPROPRIATIONS AND CONTRACT PAYMENTS (a) VERIFIED CLAIMS It was moved by Alderman K. Peterson, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, to approve the verified claims, with the exception of one statement withheld, and authorize payment from the appropriate funds. Motion unanimously car- ried. 12. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was ad- journed at 9:05 P.M. upon motion by Alderman Westlund, seconded by Alderman Gruenhagen, and unanimously carried. -11-